Introducing the Uptown Art Gallery
Cumberland Council, in partnership with local artists, Tullie, and the University of Cumbria, is bringing vibrant, homegrown art to the heart of Carlisle’s city centre.
The Uptown Art Gallery will feature stunning artwork on the fencing and hoarding boards surrounding the Market Square and Greenmarket regeneration project, adding a splash of creativity to the construction site while celebrating the talent of local artists.
This initiative is part of a larger £5.5 million investment from the central government’s Future High Streets Fund, aimed at transforming a 5,000-square-metre area into a vibrant, multifunctional space for both residents and visitors.
Cumberland Councillor Anne Quilter, Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
“This is an exciting collaboration with Tullie and the University of Cumbria, and we’re so grateful for their contributions. It is a fantastic chance for local artists to showcase their work while helping to create a more welcoming environment for everyone.
“The Market Square and Greenmarket regeneration project is progressing well, and we appreciate the patience of residents and businesses as we work to enhance the city centre. Please remember that businesses in the area remain open—every visit can make a huge difference to them.”
Leader of Cumberland Council, Councillor Mark Fryer, said:
“Investing over £100 million in Carlisle demonstrates both our dedication to the city's future and the Government’s confidence in our vision.
“Projects like the Uptown Art Gallery not only enhance public spaces but also celebrate local creativity, making our city more vibrant and inviting. The improvements to the city centre will strengthen the local economy, attract new visitors, and ensure Carlisle remains a great place to live, work, and explore.”
University of Cumbria, Principal Lecturer Claire Inglis, said:
"The Uptown Gallery has been a great opportunity for our students to showcase their creativity, and to show off their talent we nurture here at the University of Cumbria”.
The Uptown Art Gallery complements Tullie’s new gallery, the Carlisle Gallery, which features displays highlighting Carlisle’s unique identity. These include themes such as nature and biodiversity, community life, industrial heritage, revolutionary figures, and stories of resilience in the face of adversity. The Carlisle Gallery is not open just yet but will open soon with the rest of Tullie’s new spaces, including the welcome area, shop, café, and community studio. For more details about what’s happening at Tullie, visit https://tullie.org.uk/ .
As part of the regeneration project, new benches have been ordered to enhance public spaces. The previous benches have been donated to St. Cuthbert’s Church on West Walls, offering them a new purpose within the community.
The next phase of the project is underway, with adjustments to the hoarding perimeter, and work will continue until summer 2025. Throughout this time, pedestrian access will be maintained between construction areas and on Castle Street to ensure ease of movement for visitors.
Additionally, four new trees will be planted, two near the war memorial and two near the new events space, to replace two trees that had to be removed due to ash dieback disease.
Temporary tarmac surfaces in the regeneration area will also be replaced with materials that match the rest of the project, ensuring a cohesive and high-quality finish while eliminating potential tripping hazards.
Cumberland Council remains committed to supporting city centre businesses during this transformation. To encourage residents and visitors to explore the area, pedestrian footways will be expanded wherever possible, and efforts will be made to reduce narrow or unwelcoming spaces near businesses.
For more information about Carlisle Regeneration Projects, please visit Cumberland Council’s website.
